Coleman frustrated after winless Merseyside derby run continues

Dave Tickner

Seamus Coleman felt the frustration as Everton endured a 17th consecutive Merseyside derby without victory.

With Liverpool having at least half an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Manchester City, the Toffees knew what a good chance it was for a first victory over their neighbours in close to a decade.

But Jurgen Klopp’s side controlled the game until Everton finally created some sustained pressure in the last 15 minutes, with Cenk Tosun and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both missing chances as the game ended goalless.

Coleman said on evertonfc.com: “We felt Liverpool would be happier than us with a point but we started slowly and did not get to grips with the game.

“But in the second half we got tighter, pressed people more and played on the front foot.

“We are disappointed not to have come away with more after the chances we had at the end. Dominic is disappointed but he will work on that and I could have maybe got my toe on one at the end.

“It was a clean sheet against a good Liverpool side, though, and to get the fans behind us we need to play from the first minute. They react to us and if we are getting in amongst people you can see how positive the atmosphere is.

“Our two centre-halves were very good. Jags (Phil Jagielka) was immense and played a like a captain and leader. We owe it to ourselves and the fans and everyone at the club to finish as high up the table as we can.”

Everton’s chances of European football next season have faded, with seventh-placed Burnley now eight points ahead having played a game fewer.

Coleman, meanwhile, also praised goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who would have impressed England manager Gareth Southgate once again with first-half saves from Dominic Solanke – following a misjudgement by Coleman – and James Milner.

“He is a top keeper and getting better all the time,” said Coleman.

“Jordan got me out of a bit of a mess in the first half, which I am grateful for, and going into the summer he is looking like England’s number one.”

Pickford added: “I didn’t know Gareth was there. But it’s a game of football – all I do is try my best and if I keep a clean sheet I am happy.

“I only think about doing my job for the team. We got the clean sheet, which we have been after for a while, because as a group we needed that.”